Like MolaKule sayed atf doesn't have the AW & EP additives to support a manual tranns. Though i have a 90 sunbird with 5 speed that I put atf in and The tranns shifted much smoother. So a couple of months later I descided to put Mobil 1 atf and the things shifts even nicer. So I'm happy with it and as long as it shifts nice I see no concerns in atf not being in my transmission.
1998 Camaro 6 speed: ATF or Synchromesh?
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Several years ago I attended a dinner meeting with the engineering manager from Borg Warner (they did the original design and manufacture of the T-56)In his presentation he explained that all BW transmissions were designed to be used with ATF because even dealer techs were adding the wrong lubes on manuals. He stated that synthetic was not needed in his transmissions. Never the less I changed to M-1 in my '95 Z-28 and the trans was perfect when I traded it in at 88,000 on a primo 2000 WS-6. I promptly changed to M-1 in the T/A two years ago and have seen no degradation. It had a rare 3-4 clash before changing and after. I have read the posts on LS1tech from guys whose M6's only last 10 to 20K. Based on my cars and my friends I figure these guys are morons.
I have used Amsoil since 1977 and I am not about to change. Also what nice with this is, its a fill for life as far as I am concerned.
What I am sure many who have problems will not admit to is, that they abuse the trans and the cars. I have yet to see someone (myself not included) with one of these cars treat it easy. When you race or abuse anything, the chance of parts failure increases 1000%. They think they can find a lube to cure problems that may be related to how they drive. Naturally everyone thinks how they drive is not considered abusive but that would always be open to opinion.
btw
You are misspelling Synchromesh, back in the old days it was called Synchro-mess
[ April 03, 2004, 12:48 PM: Message edited by: Mike ]
MolaKule
Staff member
The GM SynchroMesh fluid is a blend of mineral oils and synthetic oils with a higher level of EP additives than is Dexron ATF's.
renoops- Thanks, it's been a long road, but I think I'm at the end.
I've pretty much concluded that synthetic in a 98-00 normally driven non-damaged F-body T-56 causes no more harm than a dino Dexron III does.
My opinion echo's yours and others here (ond other places) that people who drive the crap out of their cars far increase the chance that something is going to break. Given that a manual trans is...well...manually operated, it's proper working is controlled by a human, who are error prone even under the best of circumstances - dragging the car is not a best circumstance, and the shifting someone must do to race isn't normal either.
I think some people have out synthetics in and then start driving the car harder, thinking that maybe the synthetics somehow will allow them to run harder and get away with it - only to suffer damage (eventually) to their transmission.
There was one fluid though, Royal Purple's Max ATF (I think Royal Purple's equivalent to Redline's D4 ATF) that had two bad results, so I think this is one to stay away from in T-56's.
WHITETA- Thanks for that history! Always good to have a historical perspective on things. One thing to keep in mind is that a synthetic might not be "needed", but that is different than saying it will hurt it.
Thanks everyone for the posts, I appreciate all the input!
Chuck
I've pretty much concluded that synthetic in a 98-00 normally driven non-damaged F-body T-56 causes no more harm than a dino Dexron III does.
My opinion echo's yours and others here (ond other places) that people who drive the crap out of their cars far increase the chance that something is going to break. Given that a manual trans is...well...manually operated, it's proper working is controlled by a human, who are error prone even under the best of circumstances - dragging the car is not a best circumstance, and the shifting someone must do to race isn't normal either.
I think some people have out synthetics in and then start driving the car harder, thinking that maybe the synthetics somehow will allow them to run harder and get away with it - only to suffer damage (eventually) to their transmission.
There was one fluid though, Royal Purple's Max ATF (I think Royal Purple's equivalent to Redline's D4 ATF) that had two bad results, so I think this is one to stay away from in T-56's.
WHITETA- Thanks for that history! Always good to have a historical perspective on things. One thing to keep in mind is that a synthetic might not be "needed", but that is different than saying it will hurt it.
Thanks everyone for the posts, I appreciate all the input!
Chuck
Chucky2
Do you have any connections in UP of Michigan?
Do you have any connections in UP of Michigan?
I don't think so.
I'm from Illinois up by Chicago, but now I live outside of St. Louis, MO. Went to school in Carbondale, IL at SIU.
I've got to ask why your asking?
Do I have a funny accent or something?
Chuck
I'm from Illinois up by Chicago, but now I live outside of St. Louis, MO. Went to school in Carbondale, IL at SIU.
I've got to ask why your asking?
Chuck
Just wondering, a MTU student who worked for me from 2000-2002 was from your area and had a Camaro.
[ April 05, 2004, 06:51 PM: Message edited by: Mike ]
[ April 05, 2004, 06:51 PM: Message edited by: Mike ]
Mike- Nope, not me.
Hmmm, had a Camaro huh? Wish it was me, sometimes I get tired of going slow in my truck!
Chuck
Hmmm, had a Camaro huh? Wish it was me, sometimes I get tired of going slow in my truck!
Chuck
I got the impression you had one.
Mike
2002 Trans Am WS6
2004 GMC SLT E. Cab Z71
Mike
2002 Trans Am WS6
2004 GMC SLT E. Cab Z71
Nope, I started this thread looking for my girlfriend's brother, who does have a 1998 Camaro Z28 w/ a T-56 in it. I've done so much research into this, that I probably know more than most F-body guys about what types of fluid to use in their T-56's.
Nice collection! Wish I had the extra dough to start me own!
Chuck
Nice collection! Wish I had the extra dough to start me own!
Chuck
Part 10-4014
88900399
Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (Friction Modified)
Contains a semi-synthetic lubricant compatible for use in NV 1500 transmissions
Reduces transmission component wear
Here is a link to get part numbers for AC Delco lubricants:
http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_lub.htm
88900399
Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (Friction Modified)
Contains a semi-synthetic lubricant compatible for use in NV 1500 transmissions
Reduces transmission component wear
Here is a link to get part numbers for AC Delco lubricants:
http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_lub.htm
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